R329m Greek GP on the cards?

ATHENS, Greece - The man leading controversial plans to construct a Formula 1 track in debt-stricken Greece has defended the bold project, saying it will benefit, rather than burden, the country.

In October 2012 the Greek ministry of development confirmed it had unblocked a European funding subsidy equivalent to R329-million to build the track. Now the country's parliament must vote on the plan because 15% of the subsidy will be to its account.

RENTING THE TRACK

The track will be built near the western port f Patras and the ministry has set a total estimated cost of R1-billion, 70% of that funded by private investment company Racetrack Patras whose head, Evangelos Floratos, said: "Critics in the foreign media believe the state will subsidise the circuit running cost... this is a false idea."

Floratos will oversee the project to build the track, which he hopes will become a testing centre for F1 teams while Greece waits with a multitude of other nations to try to secure a lucrative annual F1 GP.

Floratos said: "This project belongs to the private sector, it does not expect state funding for its operational costs. It is also wrongly assumed that we are aiming at organising a Formula 1 race, which is an event often subsidised by the national government. This is not our primary goal.

"We are not prepared to pay to be added to the F1 calendar at this point. We will think about that later date if and when someone, in government or the private sector, wishes to subsidise it."

The circuit will be designed to host other motorsport events such as MotoGP and kart racing.

AFP

Comments

brak.jan - 2012-11-06 09:48

What the...? There are riots in their streets due to their financial situation, but their government wants’ to build a F1 track? No wonder the Germans are fed up with them....

sarel.seemonster.925 - 2012-11-06 10:05

I agree, perhaps the Greek ministry of development had too much Ouzo and feta.

freddie.jones.58367 - 2012-11-06 11:09

Don't we have an unused motorbike GP track in the Free State that was built with TAXPAYERS money?
Politicians spend TAXPAYERS money with gay abandon.

lombard.delport - 2012-11-06 12:50

Only R329m for the track and infrastructure? They will be extremely lucky if they can contract only the bulk earthworks and sub-soil services for that amount. To build a complete F1-standard track with infrastructure and supporting services and ancillary buildings, will be at least R2,5bn! At least!